Adopt-A-Stream

Overview

Preserving DuPage
County rivers and streams is a task requiring cooperation and participation
from government, industry and residents alike. The DuPage County Adopt-A-Stream
program supports the belief that everyone can make a difference in the aquatic
habitats and general appeal of the County’s waterways. The program allows for
local businesses, schools, churches, student groups, organizations, watershed
associations and volunteer groups to do their part in restoring and maintaining
local streams.

The Adopt-A-Stream program aims to reduce debris
polluting and clogging our waterways through citizen-stewardship of the
County’s water resources. Waterway cleanup projects are valuable learning
experiences by establishing a connection between citizens and the stream that
runs through their community. Citizens will see firsthand the impacts of their
cleanup efforts on the condition of the stream and quality of the water. DuPage
County also empowers citizens to participate in other activities aimed at
improving water quality throughout the County, including water quality
monitoring and restoration projects—such as planting native vegetation along
waterways.

Becoming Involved

Groups may become involved with
Adopt-A-Stream with varying levels of participation, often influenced by a
group’s size, resources or mission. DuPage County asks groups who wish to
Adopt-A-River to commit to that section of stream for two years and engage in
two stream cleanups each year. However, groups may choose to go beyond the
minimum requirements by regularly monitoring water quality, recording illicit
discharge or engaging in stream bank enhancement projects. Groups who cannot
fulfill the minimum requirements, but would still like to be involved, may
choose to participate in a one-time volunteer activity.

Stream
Cleanup

Groups may select a portion of stream to maintain with
semi-annual stream cleanups to reduce debris polluting and clogging DuPage
County waterways. DuPage County Stormwater Management staff will assist groups
in the process by offering site suggestions, educating group members on water
quality and providing trash bags and collection for stream cleanups. The County
will also publicly recognize groups for their ongoing involvement in the
Adopt-A-Stream program.

Working together to improve DuPage County
waterways will improve aquatic habitats, water quality and aesthetics. In some
cases, improvement in water flow resulting from cleared out waterways may even
reduce the potential for localized flooding.